Sam Kerr’s chance to cement her place as the GOAT as Chelsea eye European treble ahead of World Cup

History beckons for Matildas champion Sam Kerr with a chance to secure a historic treble along with the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy she is eager to secure for her home country.

The Australian and Chelsea striker has a chance to prove she’s the best player in the world before the Women’s World Cup kicks off in July, putting an end to the doubts and controversial outbursts at major awards ceremonies.

Kerr has said repeatedly that the Women’s World Cup is number one on her bucket list and daylight comes second.

“I just want to win a big tournament with the national team,” she says in the new Disney + documentary about the Matildas.

“It’s the only thing missing in my life right now.”

She hopes to celebrate similarly with teammates, only with the World Cup hoisted high above their heads

But before she rolls into the green and gold on home soil for the showpiece of 2023, Kerr has a rare chance to claim a first-ever European treble with Chelsea.

Despite being hailed by many as the world’s best female player, the judges of the Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Women’s Player award have consistently overlooked Kerr during her seasons of domestic dominance.

Instead, they have favored players who have won major club titles such as the Champions League or international tournaments such as the World Cup.

However, Kerr has the option of ending this debate in the next three months as Chelsea aim for clean trophies and the Matildas look for ultimate glory on home soil.

Chelsea live in all three major leagues: they are within striking distance of the FA Women’s Super League title, face Manchester United in the FA Cup final and meet Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Kerr will lead Chelsea’s bid for a first-ever European treble ahead of Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Kerr’s importance to Chelsea has been heightened by the injuries to Pernille Harder and Fran Kirby, which have seen her take on even more attacking responsibility for much of this season.

Although her goal percentage has slowed, with just eight from 14 WSL matches, she has often found the back of the net in crucial moments for the team.

The women of Chelsea will play a rare match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona.

In that match, Kerr will face reigning Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is about to make her long-awaited comeback after an ACL injury.

Chelsea failed to progress from the group stage last season and have not faced Barça since losing 4-0 to them in the 2021 final.

Kerr has a golden chance to secure the European treble with Chelsea ahead of the World Cup, meaning 2023 is her year to prove she’s the best of all time

Injuries have seen Kerr the focal point of Chelsea’s attack this season, meaning if they succeed, she won’t succeed

With six games left, the Blues are second on the ladder – four points behind league leaders Manchester United, but with two games to play, meaning they are in control of their own destiny.

Arsenal are second, two points behind and take on Chelsea on May 21 in what could be a season-defining North London derby.

There’s also the FA Cup final on May 14 and a return to Wembley Stadium, where Kerr scored a brace in the corresponding game last year to guide Chelsea to a 3-2 win over Manchester City and complete a domestic double.

This time it’s Manchester’s red half standing in her way, as United aim for their first piece of top-flight silverware since reviving their women’s program in 2018.

Trebles are usually rare in football, but five of the past seven teams to have won the Women’s Champions League have also won their national cups and competitions.

This is an exclusive club that Chelsea are dying to join to prove they belong to Europe’s elite, and Kerr will be at the center of that mission.